Everything You Should Know Before Moving to White Owl, SD
Considering a move to White Owl, SD? This rural hamlet of just 65 residents offers ultra-affordable living, with median home prices around $105,000 and average rents at $650. The area boasts a peaceful atmosphere with very low crime rates, wide open spaces, and a high owner-occupancy rate. While you’ll find basic public schooling nearby and small-town amenities, expect longer commutes and limited local services—but enjoy plenty of sunny days and classic prairie weather.
Demographics - White Owl, SD
Demographics - White Owl, SD
White Owl, SD is a close-knit rural community with a population of just 65 and a low density of 2 people per square mile. The median age is 52.3, indicating a mature population, and the area is predominantly White, with small Native American and other minorities. Most residents speak English at home, creating a largely homogenous and quiet environment.
Population:
65
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.3
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in White Owl, SD?
Living in White Owl is highly affordable, with the median home value at $105,000 and average rent around $650. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax, making the area attractive for those seeking low expenses. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
88.5
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is White Owl, SD a safe place to live?
White Owl offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates significantly lower than national averages—only 105 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is also infrequent, giving residents peace of mind in this tranquil rural setting. The odds of experiencing violent or property crime are very low for such a small community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
105
Property Crimes Per 100k:
660
Crime Index:
765
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 950
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 152
Weather
What is the weather like in White Owl, SD year-round?
Residents experience classic prairie weather, with cold winters dropping to 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 87°F. The area receives about 18 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunny days for 63% of the year. Seasonal changes are pronounced, making for a varied climate throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Households in White Owl typically see median incomes around $48,000, with a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents commute by car, with average times near 30 minutes, and a high percentage have completed high school. The poverty rate is moderate, and the community maintains a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$55,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in White Owl, SD?
Education options in White Owl include nearby Philip Elementary School, offering small class sizes and a personalized learning environment. While there are no private schools locally, higher education is accessible at Western Dakota Technical College, located about 74 miles away in Rapid City. Families benefit from a supportive school community in a rural setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Philip Elementary School
Street:
330 Scottie Ave, Philip, SD 57567
Phone:
605-859-2680
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Western Dakota Technical College
City:
Rapid City
State:
SD
Distance:
74 miles
Students:
1,250
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities like Philip Health Services and Monument Health Sturgis Hospital, both offering emergency care. Residents are generally well-covered, with nearly 90% having health insurance, and access to about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people. While specialized services may require travel, basic healthcare is readily accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Philip Health Services
Address:
503 West Pine St, Philip, SD 57567
Phone:
(605) 859-2511
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Monument Health Sturgis Hospital
Address:
2140 Junction Ave, Sturgis, SD 57785
Phone:
(605) 720-2400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in White Owl, SD?
White Owl’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $105,000 and the majority of properties owner-occupied. Rental options are available, though limited, and homes have seen modest appreciation in recent years. The area has low foreclosure and vacancy rates, reflecting a steady, tight-knit housing community.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver services are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing, based in Pierre. Residents can access licensing resources both online and by visiting the central office. The state’s DMV process is streamlined for convenience, supporting the needs of rural drivers.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
1-605-773-6883
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.